Spontaneous/catamenial pneumothorax due to thoracic endometriosis syndrome a case series

Introduction: The presence of endometrial deposits in the thorax can lead to Thoracic Endometrial Syndrome. These patients can present with a spontaneous or catamenial pneumothorax, and less likely with haemoptysis. Case Presentation: We report three cases of women presenting with spontaneous pneumothoraces (two of which presented with catamenial pneumothoraces, as they were menstruating at the time of presentation). Cross sectional imaging with CT, confirmed the presence of pneumothoraces and/or haemothoraces on the right side, with cystic or soft-tissue density pleural deposits noted on the right hemidiaphragm. Diagnosis was confirmed by various methods including cytology of the pleural fluid, CT guided biopsy of the endometrial deposit and VATS. Conclusion: Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome is an uncommon condition, but is an important consideration for women presenting with spontaneous or catamenial pneumothorax. CT chest is useful in its diagnosis, especially when faced with the typical clinical scenario